LIVE
...

Follow us on

News

At just £8.5m, West Ham have got to be on red alert and sign defender after reported Liverpool decision

This summer, West Ham need additions. As they embark on a Europa League campaign, the Hammers need much more depth than their squad currently bestows. Certainly at centre-back, David Moyes needs one or even two signings. Now, Liverpool have handed them the ideal chance.

Fabian Balbuena has left after his contract came to an end. The 15-time Paraguay international has since completed a move to Russian side Dynamo Moscow. Moyes likes to play three at the back and with the Europa League on the horizon, he needs at least five options to cope with the demand.

Currently, the options include veteran defenders Craig Dawson and Angelo Ogbonna. Issa Diop is first reserve, with Aaron Cresswell playing on the left side of a back three. Of course, Declan Rice can drop in, but he is much-preferred in midfield. West Ham need at least one centre-back signing.

Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Reported Liverpool decision on Kabak has got to put West Ham on red alert

Liverpool have chosen not to sign 21-year-old Ozan Kabak, despite relegated Schalke offering him to Liverpool for £8.5million. The Turkey international played 13 times for the Reds during the second half of last season while on loan. But he was replaced.

The form of Nat Phillips saw Liverpool place their faith in the Englishman, eventually coming in for Kabak. That has contributed to Liverpool’s decision not to extend his loan deal, and sign him permanently. But he is young with bags of potential, and perfect for West Ham’s defensive style.

The Hammers are happy to sit deep and play with centre-backs that are more focused on defensive work, winning headers and making blocks. Kabak is certainly of that nature. He is the ideal kind of defender for West Ham and given his age, he is likely to be happy to be a bit-part player.

He would give West Ham the option of resting their older centre-backs in the Europa League, in order to keep Dawson and Ogbonna fresh for the Premier League. At £8.5million, Kabak is a bargain and West Ham have got to be on red alert.

Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images